After being a Mr. Football finalist in Minnesota, Amani Hooker made a production career for himself at Iowa, contributing immediately as a true freshman and ending up as the Big Ten’s Defensive Back of the Year as a junior. Hooker registered six interceptions over the past two seasons, playing all over the field in a safety/linebacker hybrid role. His strong junior season coupled with his above-average combine should have Hooker rising.

“Hybrid safety with an advanced feel for play design and recognition of where the ball is going and how to play it. He could thrive in a “robber” role or as a big nickel where he can match up against pass-catching tight ends. He’s not twitchy, fast or fluid and has some limitations in man coverage; however, he has the size, instincts and ball skills to become a plus starter, but needs to find his perfect scheme fit.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Amani Hooker projects favorably as a modern age Strong Safety. While Hooker lacks the initial burst and range to play in single high, he’s strong in Cover-2 and in shallow zones thanks to terrific football IQ, clean footwork for sudden transitions and good ball skills. Effective block shedding from the slot to blow up screens and impact the run. Hooker should be a starter who can be a true asset both vs. the run and pass. Should transition quickly thanks to football IQ.” — Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-6th in passer rating against in slot coverage
-103rd in cover snaps/target
-49th in tackling efficiency

Sam Ekstrom is a Zone Coverage staff writer and podcaster in his sixth year covering the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team. After moving to the Twin Cities in 2014, Sam started working as a radio engineer, producer and host for "Sports Radio 105 The Ticket," where Zone Coverage was first formed. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.